Applications are invited for two four-year Ph.D. studentships in the School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology at University College Cork. These studentships are within a well-established research team and funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) as part of a research programme on “Exploiting the spatial actions of metabolic and survival factors for therapeutic benefit”.

The research is on inflammatory disorders and cancer, focusing on the actions of the Insulin and Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) systems, and the mechanistic basis for their normal and pathological roles. We are seeking highly motivated candidates who wish to pursue careers in research in academia or Industry.  The successful applicants will have the opportunity to work with a team of international researchers in Cork and with collaborating laboratories in the USA, Europe and Japan- applying state of the art cell biology and biochemistry approaches, including in cell proteomics, spatial analysis of cellular signalosomes, protein structure-function analyses and modelling, biochemical, genetic and molecular cell biology approaches such as CRISPR-based gene editing, and advanced cell imaging technologies.

The School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology provides a supportive environment for PhD training, offering graduate courses in the areas of molecular cell biology/genetics/disease that, together with a suite of graduate modules across the University, that are available to fulfil the requirements of the structured PhD degree. PhD graduates will be placed in a competitive position for high value careers in many sectors, including, but not limited to academia and industry.

For more information see: http://www.ucc.ie/en/biochemistry/

Student stipend will be €22,000 per annum plus fees.

The start date is September 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Further Eligibility Requirements:

Additional responsibilities: 

• Demonstrate commitment to, and engage in, technical and professional development training
• Publish research results in leading international journals
• Present research results at international conferences and workshops
• Attend and participate actively in regular supervisory and research group meetings
• Engage with project collaborators
• Contribute positively to the academic culture of the School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology
• Contribute to the mentoring and supervision of undergraduate project students.
• Participate in education and public engagement activities in line with grant funding and institutional policy.
• Carry out any additional duties that may reasonably be required within the scope of a Ph.D. studentship

Essential criteria:

• Completion of a B.Sc. or M.Sc. degree in in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology or a related discipline, having achieved an overall grade of first or upper-second class honours or equivalent: https://ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, and an ability to work in a collaborative environment

Desirable criteria:

• Some research experience in the broad area of biochemistry and cell biology.
• A demonstrated interest in, and aptitude for scientific enquiry in this research area.

Applicants whose first language is not English must additionally provide evidence of English language proficiency, in line with UCC regulations: https://ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/postgraduate/. English language certificates should be valid at the time of application (usually less than 2 years old).

Appointment to this position is subject to approval by UCC, in line with the terms of the Employment Control Framework for the Higher Education Sector. Vetting by An Garda Síochána and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process. UCC may, at its discretion, undertake to make additional appointments from this competition following the conclusion of the selection process

University College Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer